2027 Call for Editor Applications: ‘Communication and Democracy’

Editor-elect, assuming duties in 2029; overseeing 2029-2031 volumes

In 2027, NCA’s Publications Council will nominate an editor-elect (or co-editors-elect) for “Communication and Democracy.” The newly appointed editor will begin processing manuscripts early in 2029 and will oversee the volumes for 2029-2031. The journal is published four times each year.

Editors of NCA journals occupy a particularly prominent leadership position in the field. In naming editorial boards, selecting reviewers for manuscripts, and making final publication decisions (among other duties), they make a vitally important contribution to the discipline and play a key role in maintaining the highest standards of integrity and scholarly inquiry.

Position statement on the teaching, scholarly/creative activity, and service value of editing an NCA journal.

“Communication and Democracy” is a peer-reviewed publication of the National Communication Association. It publishes original scholarship that expands understanding of communication’s role in democratic life and free speech. Widely interdisciplinary, the journal features diverse perspectives and methods, including qualitative, quantitative, criticaland textual approaches to intellectual inquiry.

Ryan Neville-Shephard, University of Arkansas Fayetteville, is the current editor.

Editor Support

Editors receive an annual stipend of $8,000 from NCA and administrative and editorial support from publisher Taylor & Francis.

Criteria Considered

In the selection of journal editors, the following criteria will be considered:

1. Relevant research profile
2. Relevant editorial experience
3. Relevant project management experience
4. Innovative vision for the journal

Requirements

Editors must be members of NCA at the time of their appointment and must maintain membership in the association throughout their editorial terms. Editors should plan to attend all NCA conventions from the time they are elected until they have completed their terms.

Editors also must:

1. Agree to observe and support NCA’s publication policies.
2. Commit to using the Taylor & Francis online system for manuscript submission, review, and editing.
3. Commit to adhering to the NCA Policy on Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination and the NCA Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and to implementing strategies aimed at increasing inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the journal.
4. Commit to meeting editorial deadlines.

Application Process

Self-nominations are welcome.

Applications require the submission of a single PDF document that includes the following components:

1. Cover letter: Applicants or nominators should develop a letter that addresses the following:
   1. A commitment from the nominee to serve if elected.
   2. Editorial plans and projections for the journal, including the nominee’s vision for content direction within the established mission of the journal.
   3. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
   4. If a co-editorship is proposed, a description of how the work will be managed, shared, or delegated. (Editor applicants may also want to address the division of work between the editor and any associate editor.)
   5. Ability to manage the editor workload alongside existing commitments (such as a deanship, department chair duties, or a heavy teaching load).
   6. Generative AI acknowledgment statement, if used to prepare any component of the letter.
2. A current curriculum vitae.
3. A letter from the administrator responsible for supporting the nomination, describing the assistance to be provided by the institution.
4. Names and contact information for three people who can serve as references in support of the applicant or nominee.

For questions about applications or materials, email academic@natcom.org by Jan. 27, 2027, to Pallavi Guha, director of research, publications, and professional advancement; John Sloop, Publications Committee chair; or Heather Zoller, incoming Publications Committee chair. Complete applications must be submitted through the NCA application portal by Jan. 31, 2027. The NCA Publications Council reviews all nominations and makes a recommendation to the NCA Executive Committee. Following Executive Committee approval, the recommended editor must be endorsed by a vote of the Legislative Assembly.